Cleaning apparatus



June 6, 1944. A. CLARKSON CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 17, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 6, 1944. A. CLARKSON CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 17, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I? w A 4 A a 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 I I l l lH lh I H H I H H ll. IN l l Hl .h H 11 (I hlHllh. H l HH M I HMI W W H H H W I I H H w fl m I H I H I I June 6, 1944.

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[CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 17,1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented June 6, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLEANING APPARATUS ApplicationDecem'ber 17, 1938, Serial No.--246,366-

Claims.

This invention relates to a new and improved cleaning apparatus for producing and applying under pressure a cleaning fluid adapted to remove grease, oily deposits and other dirt from floors, walls, machinery, etc. consist of steam, or a mixture of steam and a cleaning solution of hot water and a suitable detergent.

The apparatus comprising the steam-generator, tanks for holding the water or cleaning solution, and fuel, the steam separator, an the manual and automatic control apparatus, are conveniently arranged inva compact unit that is Preferably portable, although it may be mounted on a fixed foundation. The cleaning fluids are supplied through flexible hoses to sprayers or nozzles trom which the output of cleaning fluidsmay be cut oil or on as desired, although the generating zapp'aratus may operate continuously when once started. The apparatus also .comprises means 'for supplying rinse-water under pressure, or armsing solution, means for adding fuel-oil to the cleaning solution, means for supplying dry steam if desired, and many other features that will be apparent'as the detailed description proceeds for selectively controlling the volume, pressure, and character of the cleaning fluids used. Thegenerating system is quickly started, automatically controlled, and safe, and theentire unit is compact and the various 'parts are easily accessible for repairs or adjustments The pumps and'other movable parts of the apparatus are preferably driven from a single electric motor, although an internal combustion engine may be substituted if desired.

The principal object of the invention is toprovide an improved cleaning apparatus of the type briefly described hereinabove and disclosed more in detail in the specification which follows.

Another object is to provide a steam cleaning apparatus comprising an improved generator adapted to supply a mixture of steam and hot water, together with a separator'ior removing the water and returning same to the tank when dry steam is desired.

Another object is to provide a singlehousing or chassis into which the tanks are built, and in which the generator and control elements are housed, provided with a removable bonnet .or closures for permitting easy access to the generator and control mechanism.

Another object is: to provide a cleaning apparatusincluding a plurality of water-pumps adapted to be used selectively, in any number, to provide the desired volume and pressure.

The cleaning fluid may Another object is to provide an apparatus of this character in which certain of the pumps can be used for furnishing either rinse-water, or other rinsing solution without passing these liquids through the steam generator.

Anotherobject is to provide an apparatus of this character in which the generator and pumps operate continuously when once started, any excess liquids or fuel beingreturne automatically to the respective tanks.

Another object is to provide an :.apparatus for returning water to the tank instead ofto the generator when a maximum steam pressure is reached.

Another object is to provide-means fo'rcutting off the tile] supply to the generator'whenever the water supply to the generator falls below :a'predetermined pressure.

Another object is to provide means for adding fuel-oil to the water or solution supplied to the generator.

Numerousother'objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of one approved form of. apparatus constructed and operating according to theprinciples of this invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the'assembled apparatus, with one side of -the bonnet-opened to disclose the mechanism housed therein.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear end of the apparatus with the housing closed.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view, partially in Ver ticalsection, showing the parts disarranged from the actual positions as indicated in Fig. 1 so as to facilitate the disclosure of the piping circuits.

Fig. 4 is a central vertical-section through the automatic steam pressure controlled water bypass.

Fig. 5 is a central vertical section. throughthe automatic flow controller which regulates-the sup-, ply of fuel. to the generator in accordance with the water pressure.

Fig. 6 is a. vertical water-pumps; and

Fig. '7 is a vertical section through the lower portion of the water .by-pass for'the rinse pumps, the upper portion of this apparatus being similar to that shown in Fig. 4.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, the greater portion of the mechanismis 'housed'wi'thin a casing l which is preferably of box-like form having rounded end edges and a domed top portion so a to resemble somewhat the hooded portion of an automobile. This housing may be mountedon a fixed foundation but is preferably "portable, in which casethe lower portion of housing I serves section through one of .the

signed that the. casters can be elevated to leave the apparatus supported entirely by wheels *2;

when the apparatus is being transported fron'i place to place by the trailer attachment 6 whichv may be connected to an automobile or other vehicle. the casters 4 are lowered and the deviceis pulled or pushed into position by means of the handrail! at the rear end of the machine. The main outlet 8 for the steam or cleaning mixture extends through the rear end of housing I and is provided with a main control lever 9. Outlet 8 has two branch outlets l and ll from which; extend similar hoses l2 leading to the hand-manipulated spraying devices indicated generally at l3. lglach ofthesedevices is provided with a spraying nozzle and a hand-op- Grated cut-off valve l5. Preferably this valve is of the type'thatautomatically closes but may be opened bypressing in the hande lip l6. ;Qbviously there might be either one or aplurality of these applying. nozzles l3, there being two shown .by .way of ,7 example in the present disclosure. Either one or both of; the pair may be operated at any one time. At l1, l8, l9 and 20 are invdicateda plurality of additional inlets or outlets to. which hose connections .may be attached. The purpose of, these will become apparent as the description proceeds. For example one of these may be for attaching a hose to dispense rinse water. Another may be used for attaching a hose to fill one of the tanks. x

Referring for the moment to Fig. 3 it will be noted that the lower'portion of the'hou'sing or chassis is divided by .a horizontal partition .or platform 2|, and a vertical partition 22 to form a large water tank 23 and a smaller fuel tank 24. The larger portion of the mechanism is supported above horizontal platform 2| in the upper chamber 25 of the housing, as indicated in Fig. l. The side portions of the upper portion of the housing are in the form of a pair of removable or' swinging closures 26 similar to the hood or bonnet of a automobile. Each side of the hood is provided with lifting handles 21- and retaininglatches 28 By lifting one side of the hood easy access is-obtained to themechanism housed Within chamber 25. a

Referring again to Fig. 1,'the steam generator indicated generally at 29 is centrally positioned within chamber 25. Thegenerator comprises theburner head 30', and the spark plug 3| for starting 'the' ignition. The combustion-- gases flow out through flue 32 to the stack 33 projecting upwardly at one endof housing 1. The ,moving parts ofthe apparatus are driven by a single electric motor 34, althou'gh an, internal combustion engine might be substituted for this purpose; Motor 34 is energized through the extension cord.35 supported at the front of .the casing which may be attached to anyconvenient electrical outlet., Motor a l drives shaft j as through the belt 'gearing 31, and the blowerfor supplying fcombustionair as well as. the fuel pump '(both hereinafter described) are mounted on "shaft,,3.6.' The magneto 38 whichsupplies the ignition current to spark plug 3].. is driven For movement through short distances. 7

'to the two similar water-pumps 48 and 49.

(which will be hereafter referred to as the rinse pumps). An exactly similar pair of main waterpumps 46and 41' are located directly back of the pumps 48 and 49 in Fig. 1 and not seen in that figure, but are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3.

The cross-head 44 also is attached to and drives the pistons of the second pair of pumps 46 and ously operated by pitman 43.

. The remainder of the mechanism and piping can best be described by reference to the diagrammatic showing in Fig. 3, although such parts as are visible in Fig. l are indicated by the same reference characters, as used in Fig. 3. Thegenerator assembly indicated generally at ,29 and the cooperating burner mechanism are preferably of the type disclosed more in detail and claimedin the copending applications of the same inventor,.Serial No. 99,736, filed September 8, 1936 and Serial No. 149,466, filed June 21,1937. ,The generator is of the coiled water-tube type comprising'a plurality of substantially helical pipeloops 50, 5|, 52 and 53 arranged co-axially abouta-central vertical axis so as to include a central heating spaceinto which the combustion. gases are projected. The outer coils serve as pre-heating coils whereas the inner coils are vaporizing coils. The pipe coils are successively connected at alternate ends of the bankof c'oils so that feed-water forced under pressure through inlet 54 into the outer pipe coil 50 will pass suc-' cessively through the several coils and a mixture of .water .and steam will be discharged from the innermost coil 53 through the outlet connection 55. The-greater portion of each' turn'of each coilis located in a horizontal plane, successive turns being connected by offsets 56. The axial lengths of the coils diminish from the inner coil 53 to the outer coil 50 giving the bank of coils a double 'frusto-conical, configuration; and the bank or coils is mounted'on and supported at the-bottom'bya refractory block 51isupported on platformZ I, and is enclosed at the top'by the annular shield 58. The successive turns or loops of adjacent coils are preferably staggered with frelation to one another as shown, so that the hot gases from the central heating chamberwill be forced to take a sinuous path between the several pipe turns thus securing a maximum surface contact with the coils and a maximum heat exchange. The gases, relieved of' 'the' greater portion of their heat, finally reach theouter annular space between the-outer coil 50 and the en- "closing casing 29' and then now out through fiu'e '32". The several turns of the coils are spaced apart andsupported one from another by means of improved spacing means (not here'sh'own but disclosed and claimed in said copending application Serial'No. 99,736). I The-liquid fuel, for example fuel-oil, isdrawn from tank 24through'i'ntake pipe. 59, strainer 60, and pipe 6! to the rotary fuel pumpBZ driven by shaft 36. This fuel pump may-be of anyjsuitable .typeand is not herefshown'in detail. The-fuel is forced from the pump through'pipe 63.to the burner head 30 and thence to theloutlet nozzle or atomizer fl... The head 30',containsavalve sesame which will only open under a predetermined minimum pressure so that no fluid will be discharged from nozzle unless the fuel is forced through the valve under suitable pressure. The fire-pot 65 is supported centrally within air chamber 66 and is preferably centered symmetrically about the central vertical axis of the generator. The fire-pot is preferably metallic and comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall and is partially closed at the top by the wall or flange 61 which curves upwardly and inwardly and then downwardly to the upper central inlet 68 through which the atomized fuel is projected from nozzle 64. Combustion air is forced into the annular chamber 66 surrounding the fire-pot through inlet opening 69 leading from the blower casing I enclosing the blower II which is mounted on and driven by the shaft 36 and operated simultaneously with the fuel pump 62. An annular air-directing ring I2 positioned beneath the lower edge of fire-pot 65 but spaced therefrom directs air from chamber 66 upwardly into the fire-pot and also downwardly into the central heating space of the generator. Air is also directed downwardly through and beneath the stabilizing ring I3 interposed between nozzle 64 and the upper inlet to the fire-pot and surrounding a primary ignition zone. It will be noted that the air supply in chamber 66 completely surrounds the fire-pot 65 so that this air 0 will be highly preheated before entering the cornbustion space. Circulating air currents are formed within the fire-pot 65 so that the combustion is very largely completed within this combustion chamber before being projected downwardly into the space surrounded by the watertubes. This form of burner and its advantages are more definitely described and claimed in the copending application Serial No. 149,466 hereinabove referred to. In addition it may be here noted that the combustion flames, air-inlets and outlet flue are positioned at the top or uppermost portion of the generator and thus furthermost removed from the fuel supply and distributing devices so as to increase the safety of the assembled apparatus.

At I4 is indicated a water-supply pipe which may lead from one of the inlet connections H to 20 hereinabove described and which may be connected with the city water supply. Pipe I4 has one branch leading into the valve header or manifold I5, and another branch '16 leads down to a valve 11 in tank 23 that is automatically controlled by float I8. When the water level within tank 23 reaches a predetermined height,

for example as shown in the drawings, valve 11 will be automatically closed, but the valve will open to admit more water when the water level falls. The water supplymay be additionally controlled by a valve I9 positioned'in the supply pipe 16. Tank 23 can be drained at any time by lifting the plug 89 by means of the pull-rod 88. Any suitable soluble detergent or other cleaning material can be added to the water in tank 23 to form the desired cleaning solution.

' The water or solution is drawn up from tank 23'through intake pipe 8I to the'feed pipe 8! for the pair of pumps 46 and 41. Pump 41 is shown'in'vertical section in Fig. 6. The piston 45 extends through packing 82 and reciprocates in the pump cylinder 83. On the out-stroke of the piston liquid is drawn in from feed pipe' '8I through inlet passage 84 and one-way or check valve 85 into cylinder 83. On the in-stroke of the piston theliquid in chamber 83'is forced out through passage 86 and check valve 81 into the outlet chamber 88 from which leads pipe 89. The check-valves and 81 may be of any suitable type so as to permit the flow of liquid only in an upward direction as shown in Fig. 6. A valve of the type here indicated is shown-in section near the bottom of Fig. 4. As thereshown, the movable valve member 9I is forced down by spring 92 to close passage 90, spring 92 being interposed between the movable valve member and an overhanging cage 93. Fluid pressure applied beneath the valve 9| will lift this member against the force of the spring, but when the pressure above the valve member 9| is greater it will be returned to close the passage 90. The four pumps 46, 41, 48 and 49 are all similar to the one described and shown in connection with Fig. 6. Outlet pipe 94 leads from pump 46, and it will be understood that water or solution is alternately forced upwardly by pumps 46 and 4! through the respective pipes 94 and 89. e

Referring now to the water by-pass device shown in detail in Fig. 4, it will be noted that pipes 89 and 94 both lead into the chamber 95 near the lower end of the by-pass controller. The liquid is forced through passage and the check-Valve 9I already described into chamber 96 from which the liquid is forced out through pipe 91. Another passage 98 leads upwardly from chamber into an upper chamber 99 from which a passage I00 leads downwardly to connect with a discharge pipe IOI adapted to carry liquid back into the tank 23 (see Fig. 3). The top of discharge passage l00 is normally closed by a one-way valve I02 (of the type already described) so that under normal conditions there will be no flow of liquid from chamber 99 through discharge pipe IOI, all of the water or solution from pumps 46 and 41 flowing out through pipe 91. It may here be noted that an air-cushion vessel I03 (see Fig. 3) is connected with chamber 95'through pipe I04. As here shown pipe I 04 is connected into pipe 94 adjacent the by-pass device. Vessel I03 is entirely closed except for the inlet and outlet passage through pipe I04, The alternate compression and expansion of the air within vessel I03 will tend to smooth out the pulsations of the liquid flows from pumps 46 and 41 and provide a more steadydischarge of water through pipe '91. I

Referring again to Fig. 4 a steam pressure chamber I05 is provided beneath a flexible diaphragm I06, the chamber I05 being connected through inlet passages I01 and I08 with a pipe E09 connected (as hereinafter described) with the steam chamber IIO of-the separator III so that the pressure in chamber I05 will correspond closely with the pressure of the fluids discharged from the generator. A'button I I2 guided for vertical movement in frame I I3 presses against the upper side of diaphragm I06. A plunger I I4 connected at its lower end in button II 2 projects upwardly through gland I I5, spring-pressed packing I I6, and guidetube II'I into and through the passage I00 so asto engage and open the valve I82 when plunger'l I4 is lifted. Button H2 and plunger II4 are normally held down by spring II'8 engaging at its lower end a disk H9 resting on button H2 and engaging at its upper end against an adjustable collar I20 threaded on sleeve Ill. The compression of spring H8 may be adjusted by rotatingthe collar I20 thus selecting the fluid pressure in chamber I05 that will be required to overcomethe force-of the spring and'move plunger'or' stem II4 upwardly to open the valve I02; Under normal operation valve I02 remains closed and all of the liquid from pumps 46 and 41 ,isforced through chamber 95 and out through pipe 91. However, if the pressure of the fluids dischargedfrom the generator exceeds a predetermined maximum, the pressure in chamber I05 willibecome sufilcient to lift the flow through pipe I22 which is shunted around I the by-pass device and connected into discharge pipe I I. When valve I2I is so adjusted, the output from pump 41 is forced directly back to tank 23 so that pump 41 ispracticaly ineffective, and only the pump 46 supplies water or solution to the generator. I

Pipe 91 from the by-passdevice leads into a three-way fitting I23 from which pipe I24 leads into the lower portion of the fuel-flow control indicated generally at I25 and shown in detail in Fig. 5. The liquid flows from pipe I24 into the high-pressure chamber I26 which is separated by flexible diaphragm I21 from a low-pressure chamber I28. The movable valve-member I29 located in chamber I26 and carriedby the lower end of stem I30 has aclose lapped fit'in outlet passage I3I from which supply pipe I32 leads into the inlet fitting 54. of the steam'generator (see Fig. 3). The flexible diaphragm I21 is clamped between valve member I29 and a collar or nut I33 also mounted on stem I30 and located in lowpressure chamber I28, Connecting passages I34 in nut I33 and I35 in valve member I29 connect low-pressure chamber I28 with the outlet passage I3I and pipe;I32.

When th pumps are not operating the pressure in chamber I26 will fall so that valve member I29 will be forced down into outlet passage I3I by a spring I 36 (hereinafter described). When the pumps are operating a higher pressure will be developed in chamber I26 sufficient to flex diaphragm I21 upwardly and lift the valve I29 against the pressure of spring I36 and open'a passage between chamber I26 and outlet I3I. Valve I29 will only be lifted slightly out of the outlet passage I3I so that the higher pressure will not be communicated into upper chamber I28 and the valve will remain slightly elevated so as to permit a continuous flow of liquidinto pipe I32 as'lon'g as the higher pressure is maintained in :chamber I26. The stem or plunger I30 extends up through the spring-pressed packings I31 and I38 into and through the fuel-oil chamber I39. The rings or collars I40 positioned between packings I31 andI381 are provided with vent openings I4I communicating withvents I42 in the main casing I25 so that any liquid leakage from the chambers can escape through. these vents.

. Referring now temporarily to Fig. 3, a pipe I43 leads from fuel pump 62 into a four-way fitting I44 from which a pipe I45 leads into the upper end of the flow-controller (see Fig. Pipe I45 discharges into the chamber I46 in a tubular member I4 1 formed at-its lower end with an outlet valve-passage I48 inwhich'the upper end of stem I30 has a closely lapped fit, so as to normally close on the upper portion of stem I30 and has a sliding fitin chamber. I39 A circular plate I50 slidable on stem I30 is normally held up against the lower'face of piston I49 by a weak spring I5I. When stem I30 is forced upwardly to close the valve I48, O11 from the chamber above piston I49 will flow downwardly through passages I 52 in the piston to fill the portion of the chamber below the piston, the, plate I50 being pressed down against the resistance of weak spring I5I to permit a free downward passage of the oil. However, when stem I30-moves downwardly, under the influence of spring I36 which presses against the top of piston I 49, theplate I50 will close up against the bottom of the piston and only a restricted upward flow of oil can pass through the small openings I53 in plate I50. Consequently, the stem I30 can only move downwardly, to open valve I48, rather slowly. As a result any momentary loss of pressure in chamber I26, due to the pulsations of, the reciprocating pumps, will be insufficient to open the fuel-valve I48, but when the pressure in chamber I26 is lowered for any material length of time due to the failure or stoppage of pumps 46 and'41 or the diversion of the liquid that would otherwise flow through pipe I24, the stem'I30 will be lowered so as to open valve I48. The fuel will now flow freely through valve I48 into chamber I39 and then out through passage I54 and pipe I55. Referring to Fig. 3, the pipe I55 leads to the fitting I56 and thence through pipe I51 back into fuel tank 24. As a result, whenever the water flow fails so as to lower the pressure in' chamber I26 of the flow controller, the valve I48 will be opened and the output from fuel pump 62 can ,fiow through the low-resistance by-pass just described back to fuel tank 24. The pressure in pipe 63 leading from the fuel pump to the burner will then be reduced so that it will be insufficient to open the valve in burner head 30 and the supply of fuel to the burnerwill be cut off. Consequently the burner cannot operate unless water or solution is being forcedinto the generator coils.

Another fuel pipe I58 leads from the four-way fitting I44 to the maximum fuel-pressure valve I69,-with an extension pipe I60 leading to the pressure gauge I H located at the end of the main housing (see Fig. 2). Valve I59 can be adjusted by means of handle I 62 for any desired maximum fuel pressure. When this fuel-pressure is exceeded, the excess fuel can flow from the valve through fitting I56 and pipe I51 back to fuel tank 24. I

A third pipe I63 leading from four-way fitting I44 extends to a metering valve I64 and thence through pipe I 65 ,intothe feed-pipe 8I' of pumps 46 and 41. By opening and adjusting the valve I64, a, restricted flow of oil is permitted into the solution fed to pumps 46 and 41 and thence'to and through the generator so that the cleaning spray solution may contain a desired proportion of oil.

this passage. A dash-pot piston l49 is secured The mixtureof steam and hot water or solution is delivered from outlet 55 of the generator through pipe I66 into the upper portion of separator m (Fig. 3).;The liquid in this fluid stream flows down past the shields or diverters I61 and I68 into the lower portion of the separator from which it flows out through pipe I 69 back into the supply tank 23, assuming that the valve I10 in pipe I69 is open. Under these conditions the steam -will flow around shield I61 and thence upwardly into the steam chamber j l I0 andout through pipe I II and fitting 8 to the spray nozzles. If valve I10 is closed the separator will become substantially inoperative and the entire fluid stream of mixed steam and solution will flow through the separator and to the nozzles. A blow-off valve or safety valve I12 is connected into steam chamber IIO. A pipe I13 also leads from steam chamber to the fitting I14 with which is connected the steam-pressure indicator I15 located at the end of the machine as shown in Fig. 2. The steam-pressure pipe I09, already described. also leads from fitting I14 into the inlet I08 of the by-pass device already described. I

In operation, if the pressure of the fluid discharged from the generator exceeds a predetermined maximum, the pressure thus communicated through pipes I13 and I09 will cause the output from the pump 46 and/or 41 to be diverted back to tank 23, and as a consequence the pressure transmitted through flow-controller I25 will be lowered 'so'that the fuel output from fuel pump 62 will also be diverted back to the fuel tank 24 and the burner will cease to operate. When the output pressure from the generator falls below the permitted maximum the by-pass device will again direct the water to the generator, and the flow-controller will automatically cut off the fuel-by-pass so that fuel will again be forced through the burner and the fires will be automatically ignited by spark plug 3|.

The rinse pumps 48 and 49 operate in exactly the same manner and simultaneously with the main water pumps 46 and 41. The feed pipe I16 for the rinse pumps is connected through pipe I11 with the supply manifold 15 already described. If'plain water is to be used for rinse purposes, the valve "8 is opened so that water can flow in from supply pipe 14 through manifold 15 and thence through pipes I11 and I16 to the rinse pumps. If some other agent, for example an acid solution, is to be used valve I18 is closed and valve I19 is opened so as to permit this liquid to be drawn in through pipe I80 which may be supplied through one of the fittings I1 to 20 at the end of the machine. As a third alternative the rinse pumps 48 and 49 may be used to supplement the main pumps 46 and 41 in supplying solution from tank 23 to the generator. In this case valves I18 and I19 are closed and valve I8I opened so that solution from the tank may be drawn up into manifold 15 through intake pipe I82. The output from pump 48 flows over through pipe I83 to join with the output from pump 49, the combined liquid steam flowing through pipe I84 into bypass device I85. An air-vessel I86 (similar to vessel I03 and functioning for the same purpose) is connected into by-pass device I85 through pipe I86. The by-pass I85 is for the most part substantially identical in structure with the one previously described and shown in Fig. 4. However, this by-pass I 85 operates in response to variations in the liquid pressure instead of variations in the steam pressure beyond the generator. The lower portion of device I85 is shown in Fig. 7, it being understood that the upper portion of this structure is the same as that shown in Fig. 4. The output from the rinse pumps flows from pipe I84 into chamber 95 and thence as before through passage 90 and valve 9| into chamber 96 and is discharged through pipe I81. However, in this by-pass there is no steam connection to chamber I beneath diaphragm I06, but chamber I05 is connected through passage I88with the water chamber 96. As a consequence, if the pressure in thiswater system becomes excessive, diaphragm I06 will be lifted to open the valve in the top of the bypass and permit the liquid to flow out through pipe I89. It will be noted. that by-pass. I89 does not discharge back into tank, 23 like pipe IOI, but instead pipe' I 89 is connected into the feed pipe I16 for the rinse pumps. Consequently, when there is no suitable outlet for the liquid from pumps 48 and 49 and the pressure in the by-pass device becomes excessive, the liquid wil1 simply be shunted around through pipe I89 to the feed pipe I16, again flowing through the pumps. The reason for this change is that rinse pumps 48 and 49 are sometimes used for handling water or a difierent solution from that contained in tank 23 and itis undesirable to discharge this other liquidinto the tank.

Normally the output from rinse pumps 48 and 49 will flow through pipe I81 into the discharge manifold I 90. When water. or some other rinsing, liquid is fed to the rinse pumps from inlet pipes 1-4 or I80, the valve I9I in manifold I90 will be opened so that this liquid will be discharged through pipe I92 and an outlet at the end of the casing I to which a hose connection leading to a sprayer or nozzle is attached. When the rinse pumps 48 and 49 are used to supplement pumps 46 and 41 in supplying solution to the generator, valve I9I- isclosed and valve I93 opened. The liquid from manifold I90 will now flow through pipe I94 back into fitting I23 and thence along with the-output from pumps 46 and 41 through pipe I24 into the fuel-flow controller I25. Alternatively, it may sometimes be desirable to feedthe. solution drawn from tank 23 through pumps and 49 into the hot-fluid stream discharged. to fitting 8, without passing this liquid: throughthe generator. To do this valves I9I and I93: are closed and valve I95 is opened so that the liquid from therinse pumps flows through pipe I96 into the discharge pipe I1.-I leading from the steam separator.

It will now be apparent that any number of the pumps 46, 41, 48 and 49 can be utilized for. furnishing liquid to the generator, although these pumps are all constantly operating. If only one pump is to be used for this purpose, the stream from pump 41 will be dirrected back totank 23 by suitably adjusting. valve I2 I, and valve I93 will be closed so that the line from pumps 48 and 49 to the generator is cut off. If two pumps are to be used, the output from pump 41 is added by suitably turning valve I 2I. If three pumps are to be used, the output from pump 41 is shunted through valve I2I back to tank 23 but valves I 8I and I 93 are opened so that rinse pumps 48 and 49 will add their output to that of pump 46. Finally, the output from all four of the pumps can be forced to the generator in an obvious manner. Also the pumps 48 and 49 can be used at any time for furnishing either rinse water or a rinse liquid or solution of other type without passing these liquids through the generator.

The operation of the generator is entirely automatic as long as driving motor 34 is in operation. The burner cannot operate unless an adequate supply of water or solution is being forced through the generator coil, and as long as an excess pressure is developed at the generator outlet the supply of water to the generator coils and fuell'to the burner will .be stopped; .The flow of both liquids starts againautomatically as soon as this output pressure is reduced; Any sexcess liquids from the several pumps arev returned automatically to the supply tanks, orshunted back through the rinse pumps.

In order to start the generator, it is merely necessary to throw a switch starting the motor 34 and in a very shorttime a supply of cleansing fluid under the necessary pressure will be available at the spray nozzles. The discharge of this cleansing fluid under pressure is controlled entirely by the hand valves IE at the nozzles, and during the stand-by periods when the nozzles are not being used :the generator and pumps continue to operate, any excess pressures developing being automatically taken care of by thetmechanism'hereinabove described; i

1. In a cleaning apparatus of the character described, a tank for holding liquid cleanser, a tank for fuel oil, a steamgenerator comprising a burner, means comprising a fuel pump for delivering 'oil from the fuel-tank to the burner, means comprising a pump, a feed-pipe leading from the liquid tank to the pump, and a supply pipe leading from the pump to the generator for forcing liquid into the generator, a discharge conduit'for delivering cleaning fluids from the generator, means fordriving the pumps, a pipeconnection leading from the pressure side of the fuel-pump into the feed-pipe to the liquid pump, and a metering valve in the pipe-connection for feeding a restricted amount of oil into the liquid delivered to the generator.

' 2. In'an apparatu's'of the character described, in combinationwith a generator and separate means for respectively forcing fuel and. water tothe generator, at by-pa'ss conduitfor diverting the fuel'from the generator, a valve in said conduit, a pressure chamber through which the water" is passed before reaching the generator, a flexible diaphragm forming one wall of this chamber, a plunger for closing the valve,-a spring urging-theplunger in one direction to open'the valve, the plunger being associated with the diaphragm so that it will be moved in the opposite direction against the force of the spring to close the "valve when operating water pressure'is in the chamber, and; a dash-pot associated with the plunger forretarding its movement in a valveopening direction so that momentary'variations in thewater pressure withinthe' pressure chain'- ber be ineffective to open the valve. u

3. In an apparatus of the character described, in-combination with a generator and separate means forrespectively forcing fuel-oil and water to the generator, a by-pass conduit for diverting oil from the generator, said conduitcomprising an oil chamber and'a valve opening for admitting oil to the chamber, a plunger movable through the ch'amber'for closing the valve-opening, a spring urging the'plunger in a valve-opening. direction, water-pressure operated means for moving the plunger against the force of the spring to close the valve, a dash-pot piston mounted on the plunger and movable in the oilchamber, and means associated with the piston for retarding its movement in a valve-opening direction so that momentary variations in the water pressure within the pressure chamber will be inefiective to open the valve.

4. In a cleaning apparatus of the character described, a tank for holding liquid cleaner, a steam generator comprising liquid circulating tubing, means comprising a pump and a supply pipe for delivering liquid from the tank to the generator, a steam-separator,-a conduit for delivering mixed hot liquid and steam from the generator to the separator, an outlet for steam or mixture of steam and liquid cleaner leading from the separator, a drain connection leading from the separator to the liquid tank, and a valve in the drain connection and adapted to be selectively positioned to open the drainto permit the liquid separated from the steam to discharge from the separator into said liquid tank or to close said drain, wheregy the mixture of steam and liquid is discharged from the separator through said outlet. v

5. In an apparatus of the'character described, in combination with a generator and separate means for respectively forcing fluid and water to the generator, a by-pass conduit for diverting fuel from the generator, a valve in said conduit, 3, pressure chamber through which the water is passed before reaching the generator, a flexible diaphragm forming one wall of this chamber, a plunger for closing the valve, a spring urging the plunger inv one direction to open the'valve, the plunger being associated with the diaphragm so that itwill be moved in the opposite direction against the-force of the spring to close the valve when operating water pressure is in the chamber, and means for yieldably retarding the movement of the plunger in a valve-opening direction.

' ALICK CLARKSON.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,5 50,876. June 6, 191m.

' ALICK, CLARKSON.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the'above numbered patent requiring correctiones follows: Page 5, first column, line 56 for the word "steam" read -strea.m-; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the ease in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of August, A. D. 19th,.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

